Satellites Reveal Unprecedented Destruction in Tehran During the War
Ceasefire Allows Initial Assessment of Damage in Iran
After more than 5 weeks of fighting, the ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran provided the first opportunity to assess the extent of the destruction left by the war.
Satellite data from the Copernicus program and the University of Oregon, analyzed by Bloomberg, revealed the extent of the damage inflicted on the Iranian capital, Tehran, which is home to about 9 million people.
Satellite Images Reveal Extensive Damage Despite Restrictions Inside Iran
Despite the restrictions on photography and the internet within Iran, as well as U.S. limitations on high-resolution satellite images, a study from Oregon State University showed a wide range of destruction affecting multiple areas within the country during the war.
Over 7,600 Buildings Damaged in Iran During Weeks of Fighting
The study, based on radar images, indicated that at least 7,645 buildings were damaged or destroyed across Iran during the period from February 28 to April 8.
The destruction included:
- 60 educational facilities
- 12 healthcare facilities
2,816 Damaged Buildings in Tehran and Distribution of Damage Across Different Sectors
Bloomberg's analysis showed that around 2,816 buildings in the capital Tehran were bombed.
These buildings were distributed as follows:
- 32% military sites associated with the army
- 25% related to military industries
- 43% government, commercial, and civilian sites
Economic Damage Estimates Reach $270 Billion
According to estimates from the Iranian government, the total direct and indirect damages resulting from the war amounted to about $270 billion.
This figure is compared to the expected gross domestic product of Iran for 2026, which is estimated to be around $300 billion, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.
Additional Details About the Report and Sources Used
The data relied on the analysis of satellite images from international sources, despite the difficulty of direct field verification due to the restrictions imposed within Iran during the war, making space monitoring techniques the primary source for estimating the extent of the destruction.
